THANK YOU GAME INSIGHT FOR - breaking my addiction and.....

Dear Game Insight, (Written in my special sarcasm font)

I would like to personally thank you for the following:

THANK YOU FOR BREAKING WHAT HAS BEEN A 5 MONTH WONDERFUL ADDICTION TO MYSTERY MANOR! I could not have quit without your assistance of the last two disastrous updates! It had gotten to the point where my friends and family had suggested professional help. All that was needed was having Game Insight take a fun and social game and making it virtually unplayable and unaffordable!

THANK YOU FOR TAKING AWAY MY ABILITY TO ADD FRIENDS OF MY CHOICE! The friends I have made have become actual real friends- we have networked, emailed, facebooked, tweeted, texted, and met each other personally at times. You have managed to unite many of us in the boycotting of your own game by making it horrible and we were able to help eachother realize that there is indeed life beyond mystery manor! Adding more friends would have been so counter-productive to my life and your game!

THANK YOU FOR MAKING THE GAME UNSTABLE! The constant crashing, inability to load, being trapped in our manors, etc, without customer support being able to help us in a timely manor or at all taught us to help each other even more or to walk away! Nothing like two bad updates in a row to teach us to be self-sufficient!

THANK YOU FOR HELPING US LOOK FOR NEW GAMES TO PLAY! I have done more trials of new games in the last week than since I received this iPad 8 months ago! Never would have done that prior to the last two updates!

THANK YOU FOR BANNING OUR PLAYERS, DELETING OUR COMMENTS, IGNORING OUR QUESTIONS AND CHANGING YOUR DECISIONS THIS WEEK OVER AND OVER! At least that part of Game Insight seems to be running consistently!

THANK YOU FOR NOT ACTING DESPITE DROPPING RATINGS, BOYCOTTS AND BAD PRESS- PLEASE DON'T EVEN CONSIDER IMPROVING THIS GAME, RESTORING ANY OF OUR FRIEND OR GIFT CODES OR BRINGING BACK ANY OF THE PRIOR VERSIONS EVEN WITH MODIFICATIONS TO FIT THE NEW APPLE POLICIES! That would be terrible to my recovery! It would also ruin any plans for the other gaming companies who must be drooling over the potential gamers of the previous mystery manor who are desparately looking for a new social cooperative game and your modest 150 million dollar profits. It's amazing that you have been able to survive!

Most Sincerely,

Aphrodite Jo

Feel free to add your own words of thanks as well

I love it! Lol! Good one!

Love it

I think we should all send similar letters. It is absolutely bizarre that with a game that has gone from #2 on the top grossing apps list to #25, they have not bothered to make any type of announcement today.

It is also infuriating that they are trying to twist our message as they respond to bad press - they are trying to say that users are unhappy about reductions in promotions, rather than the removal of friend codes (I have read the Apple reg that they quote - funny that they quoted it when pressured by media) and it does not seem to have anything to do with friend codes. If I am correct, I interpret it as a rule against in app purchases circumventing Apple - i believe that some games used to offer in app currency if you purchased another one of their games, and rather than being routed through Apple, it would take you directly to their checkout.

Business Insider just wrote an article on Game Insight that was released this week. It is about one of their other games, Airport City. I will be sending my letter now, to explain the bigger GI story. Hope you will send them one too! (feel free to plagiarize - both my letter and Kristi's are in the media thread)

IsabellaBeckett wrote:Love it

I think we should all send similar letters. It is absolutely bizarre that with a game that has gone from #2 on the top grossing apps list to #25, they have not bothered to make any type of announcement today.

It is also infuriating that they are trying to twist our message as they respond to bad press - they are trying to say that users are unhappy about reductions in promotions, rather than the removal of friend codes (I have read the Apple reg that they quote - funny that they quoted it when pressured by media) and it does not seem to have anything to do with friend codes. If I am correct, I interpret it as a rule against in app purchases circumventing Apple - i believe that some games used to offer in app currency if you purchased another one of their games, and rather than being routed through Apple, it would take you directly to their checkout.

Business Insider just wrote an article on Game Insight that was released this week. It is about one of their other games, Airport City. I will be sending my letter now, to explain the bigger GI story. Hope you will send them one too! (feel free to plagiarize - both my letter and Kristi's are in the media thread)

I am sending my sarcastic letter but highly suspect it will go to the electronic circular file:)) what the heck! NOTHING TO LOSE!

First off Aphrodite Jo I love your letter, and don't feel bad about your family telling you to seek professional help LOL My mom started to refuse to talk to me while I was playing the game and my husband was probably searching for some Gamers Anonymous Meetings LOL my son opened MM today and handed me the ipad and asked me why I don't want to play it anymore. I guess I should send them a thank you letter too. Thanking them for helping me be more productive in life.

Isabella, the letter you wrote (slightly changed) is what I sent to games.com (the second article written) so pat yourself on the back that your words got through to them. I did not think you minded me using it since you put it out there and I did not sign it with my name.

My addiction has been cured too! I'm having more fun reading everyone's posts and visiting the app store to watch MM sinking lower and lower.

Kristi, I do not mind at all! I am honored

Game Politics is the third outlet to pick up this story (can't include link as a new player so google it). Unfortunately, every one of these articles seems to be missing the central argument because Game Insight is re-framing it. Therefore, I also modified my letter before I shot it off to Business Insight. I have bolded the added paragraph so it is clear what the major new piece is. I think this is what we need to emphasize to help the media understand. Hope it is clear!!

Dear Mr. Buffa,

Earlier this week, you wrote a story regarding the Russian gaming company, Game Insight. I am writing to you to make you aware of a developing issue with this company that has already, and will continue to affect their revenue.

Over the past few days, Game Insight has found themselves knee deep in a customer revolt. Their flagship game, Mystery Manor: Hidden Adventure, is at the heart of this melee. Their rating in the Apple app store has plummeted from five to two stars, with hundreds of negative reviews pouring in. Last week, Mystery Manor was the second highest grossing app on iTunes, but due to a global player boycott, they have fallen to 24th, and will continue to fall as more players join this effort.

It takes a lot to get players from all walks of life so enraged, to not just delete an app but make a concerted effort to vocalize their displeasure. Game Insight has been incredibly unprofessional with their users, providing a completey unstable gaming platform fraught with bugs, no customer service, refusal to refund purchases, and frequent updates that make the game nearly impossible to play without paying vast amounts of money (although the game is advertised to their users as absolutely free). Although categorized as a social networking game, last week Game Insight removed the ability for players to add friends to their game, blaming Apple for this change. Deletion of this key element of game play, along with a continued unstable platform, is what finally set off this firestorm.

Most recently, GI asked players to post feedback on their Facebook page, but as fans began to do so, they deleted and banned any poster who expressed any opinion that was in any way negative. This resulted (and continues to result) in thousands of posts erased over the past three days, and a similar number of paying customers banned from posting. With players unable to vent their frustrations to GI support and unable to do so on their Facebook page, they have begun seeking alternative ways to express their displeasure.

Although GI is now releasing statements to suggest they are working on these issues, these issues did not develop overnight and even now, GI continues to ignore and ban their players. Additionally, as media sources have begun to pick up this story, GI has attempted to twist the central argument of its customers. Below, I have included links to these publications:

(actual letter had three links)

I believe that this is a story also worthy of your attention, especially since the actual issue is being reported inaccurately. Players are not upset over the removal of a promotion. They are upset over the removal of a social facility (being able to add friend codes, which resulted in small, in-app currency bonuses per added friend). Game Insight has been dishonest with both their customers and the media in framing this discussion. The Apple rule for developers does not apply here because players were not making purchases - i.e. Game Insight was not circumventing Apple for profits. This is one of many moves that Game Insight has made to close the door on free game play. This is their right if they choose, but they are being incredibly dishonest in their approach. I encourage you to read the reviews from players in the Apple app store and visit the links below (the Mystery Manor Facebook page, Mystery Manor Unofficial Fan Forum and Mystery Manor proboards).

(actual letter had links)

These pages will help you to understand the true issue at hand, as well as how this company has chosen to handle it.

Warm Regards,

Isabella Beckett

IsabellaBeckett wrote:Kristi, I do not mind at all! I am honored

Game Politics is the third outlet to pick up this story (can't include link as a new player so google it). Unfortunately, every one of these articles seems to be missing the central argument because Game Insight is re-framing it. Therefore, I also modified my letter before I shot it off to Business Insight. I have bolded the added paragraph so it is clear what the major new piece is. I think this is what we need to emphasize to help the media understand. Hope it is clear!!

Dear Mr. Buffa,

Earlier this week, you wrote a story regarding the Russian gaming company, Game Insight. I am writing to you to make you aware of a developing issue with this company that has already, and will continue to affect their revenue.

Over the past few days, Game Insight has found themselves knee deep in a customer revolt. Their flagship game, Mystery Manor: Hidden Adventure, is at the heart of this melee. Their rating in the Apple app store has plummeted from five to two stars, with hundreds of negative reviews pouring in. Last week, Mystery Manor was the second highest grossing app on iTunes, but due to a global player boycott, they have fallen to 24th, and will continue to fall as more players join this effort.

It takes a lot to get players from all walks of life so enraged, to not just delete an app but make a concerted effort to vocalize their displeasure. Game Insight has been incredibly unprofessional with their users, providing a completey unstable gaming platform fraught with bugs, no customer service, refusal to refund purchases, and frequent updates that make the game nearly impossible to play without paying vast amounts of money (although the game is advertised to their users as absolutely free). Although categorized as a social networking game, last week Game Insight removed the ability for players to add friends to their game, blaming Apple for this change. Deletion of this key element of game play, along with a continued unstable platform, is what finally set off this firestorm.

Most recently, GI asked players to post feedback on their Facebook page, but as fans began to do so, they deleted and banned any poster who expressed any opinion that was in any way negative. This resulted (and continues to result) in thousands of posts erased over the past three days, and a similar number of paying customers banned from posting. With players unable to vent their frustrations to GI support and unable to do so on their Facebook page, they have begun seeking alternative ways to express their displeasure.

Although GI is now releasing statements to suggest they are working on these issues, these issues did not develop overnight and even now, GI continues to ignore and ban their players. Additionally, as media sources have begun to pick up this story, GI has attempted to twist the central argument of its customers. Below, I have included links to these publications:

(actual letter had three links)

I believe that this is a story also worthy of your attention, especially since the actual issue is being reported inaccurately. Players are not upset over the removal of a promotion. They are upset over the removal of a social facility (being able to add friend codes, which resulted in small, in-app currency bonuses per added friend). Game Insight has been dishonest with both their customers and the media in framing this discussion. The Apple rule for developers does not apply here because players were not making purchases - i.e. Game Insight was not circumventing Apple for profits. This is one of many moves that Game Insight has made to close the door on free game play. This is their right if they choose, but they are being incredibly dishonest in their approach. I encourage you to read the reviews from players in the Apple app store and visit the links below (the Mystery Manor Facebook page, Mystery Manor Unofficial Fan Forum and Mystery Manor proboards).

(actual letter had links)

These pages will help you to understand the true issue at hand, as well as how this company has chosen to handle it.

Warm Regards,

Isabella Beckett

Wonderful!

Yeah it was a blessing in disguise. My wife hated MM since it took so much of my time. I've been clean of MM for a couple of days and don't feel any ill effects.

Awesome letter! Although I have suffered minor withdrawals from going "cold turkey", I'm certain that I will make it through now that I'm becoming addicted to these threads!

Lmao agree.

THANKS GAME INSIGHT, I once played a fifteen hour shift, spamming coconuts. It made me feel like a junkie.

THANKS GAME INSIGHT, during the whole month when I couldn't travel, I found Song Pop and Draw Something in the app store.

THANKS GAME INSIGHT, you renewed my genuine affection for pigs and birds and Rovio who treat me like a highly valued customer.

SJ wrote:Lmao agree.

THANKS GAME INSIGHT, I once played a fifteen hour shift, spamming coconuts. It made me feel like a junkie.

THANKS GAME INSIGHT, during the whole month when I couldn't travel, I found Song Pop and Draw Something in the app store.

THANKS GAME INSIGHT, you renewed my genuine affection for pigs and birds and Rovio who treat me like a highly valued customer.

AWESOME! Another grateful player! LMAO! A few more I just thought of---

THANKS GAME INSIGHT- for making me stop spending 6 hours running with a turtle and now I spend an hour actually OUTSIDE RUNNING IN THE FRESH AIR!

THANKS GAME INSIGHT - my carpel tunnel surgery won't be necessary!

Hahaha yeah god FORBID you dared have a real life and waste a running turtle charm. And you've just reminded me how much my wrists and neck used to hurt from hours of spamming!!

I just don't know when I found the time to play, my time now is spent reading the fb and mmuff posts and rating the star comments helpful and not helpful!!

SJ wrote:Hahaha yeah god FORBID you dared have a real life and waste a running turtle charm. And you've just reminded me how much my wrists and neck used to hurt from hours of spamming!!

Oh yes. I used to make sure I had nothing else going the next few hours before running a turtle.

I agree, I love your letter!

A CORRECTION: My letter was cut, pasted and posted by Gibby Manor on MM Facebook yesterday which cracked me up!

I have never received a reply from GAME INSIGHT to my letter- shocking!

He also posted that I am no longer playing the game-THIS IS NOT CORRECT!

I am playing but at a much reduced level and amount of time spent on the game:)

I have no friend code currently or way to add friends: hopefully we will get friend codes back with the next update-you can still add me if you see me pop up on your random friend list, although it is a pain in the butt way to find friends!

If everyone quits by then, the 3 of us left can clean the manor, pack the good china, cover the furniture, lock up the lab and drive away into the Mystery Manor sunset.......))))

Luv,
Aphrodite

Edited as I thought the letter was removed from Facebook - its still there:)

Aphrodite- PJ/TJ wrote:

I have no friend code currently or way to add friends: hopefully we will get friend codes back with the next update-you can still add me if you see me pop up on your random friend list, although it is a pain in the butt way to find friends!

Still waiting for you to pop up on my random friend list...I look every 8 hours!!

WaccaWacca! wrote:

Aphrodite- PJ/TJ wrote:

I have no friend code currently or way to add friends: hopefully we will get friend codes back with the next update-you can still add me if you see me pop up on your random friend list, although it is a pain in the butt way to find friends!

Still waiting for you to pop up on my random friend list...I look every 8 hours!!

I just added you:))) my code is on forum now too! DOING MY HAPPY DANCE! See you soon:)))
Aphrodite